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Smooth and boozy, the espresso martini is the ultimate pick-me-up cocktail—perfect for any occasion. Shake it up and enjoy!
The espresso martini is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is super easy to make. With its perfect blend of vodka and espresso, it’s ideal for a little boost after a long day, as an after-dinner drink, for brunch, or even as a batch cocktail for a party.
Fun fact: The espresso martini was invented in the 1980s by a London bartender for a guest who asked for a drink to “wake me up, and then mess me up.” Though I’m pretty sure “mess” wasn’t the exact 4-letter word she used! Either way, that boozy coffee kick is still just as good (and potent) as ever.
What You’ll Need To Make An Espresso Martini
- Vodka: The base of the cocktail. Use your favorite—I’m a fan of Tito’s.
- Coffee Liqueur: Adds coffee flavor and a touch of sweetness. Kahlúa is a classic, but I love Mr. Black for its bold coffee flavor.
- Espresso or Cold Brew Concentrate: If you’re using espresso, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature. If you don’t have an espresso machine, cold brew concentrate is a great alternative—it’s a stronger version of regular cold brew coffee (find it in refrigerated section of grocery stores or coffee shops). If you can’t find it, strongly brewed coffee makes a good substitute. Whatever you choose, go for a rich, bold coffee for the best flavor.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink. For a creamier twist, use Baileys Irish Cream instead. If you like your drink less sweet, go easy on the syrup or skip it altogether.
- Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements
How To Make A Really Good Espresso Martini
A great espresso martini starts with vodka—balanced with smooth coffee flavor, just the right touch of sweetness, and a frothy, creamy top.
Start by chilling your martini glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your drink crisp and refreshing. While the glass chills, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
Now, shake it like you mean it! The frothy top is part of the magic, so shake vigorously for about 20 seconds—when your hands feel numb, you’ll know it’s ready.
Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass, then garnish with three coffee beans on top—they symbolize health, wealth, and happiness. (Alternatively, you can dust the drink with espresso or cocoa powder.) Serve immediately and enjoy!
Espresso Martini
A little fancy, a lot delicious! This espresso martini is smooth, refined, and simple to make.
- 1 oz espresso or cold brew concentrate (see note)
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa or Mr. Black
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Garnish options: coffee beans, instant espresso powder, or cocoa powder
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If using espresso, prepare it ahead of time and let it cool to room temperature. Chill a martini glass in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 5 minutes.
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Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and frothy, about 20 seconds.
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Strain into the chilled martini glass.
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Garnish with coffee beans, a sprinkle of instant espresso powder, or cocoa powder. Serve immediately.
Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 24gSodium: 15mgSugar: 21g
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you’re following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
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